Book: “Lioness Arising” by Lisa Bevere
Lisa Bevere’s new book “Lioness Arising” encourages Christian women to wake up and make an impact on world around them. The idea for the book was from a vision Lisa had while she was still pregnant with her fourth son. Although some may perceive “Lioness Arising” to be a more feminist book you have to look at the book in it’s entirety; it is meant to be a motivational call to stir the hearts women. A change in history usually starts when one person chooses to stand up while everyone else is still seated.
“Lioness Arising” is a fresh reminder to women that we have been designed by a creator and called to live a life of purpose. It is evident in the book that Lisa has a fascination with the lion analogy based off the stories she reveals and the powerful images of the lioness she paints with her words. Comparing a lioness’ beauty and power to women of faith gave the book a unique twist over some of the other ones I have read in the past. Unlike many of us, the lioness is comfortable (and content) in her own skin and her beauty is revealed in her strength.
Sometimes we need a “wake up” call to motivate us into action. God gives us the skills we need to serve him, however, so often we are more concerned about figuring out the step-by-step process that we take too long and we miss out on some great things he has planned for us. Lisa gives several biblical examples of women who made history. This books calls you to be fully awake and ready to write your piece of history. As women we need to let go of the baggage and life’s daily obligations that are holding us back in order to be attentive to the needs around us. Lisa encourages women to unite together, uplift each other, and make an difference.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher through the Waterhouse Multnomah. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Free Audio Book: “Adopted for Life” by Russell D. Moore
FREE Audio Book Download:
For the month of February Christian Audio is offering a free download of their audio book Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches by Russell D. Moore. Make sure to submit your order by February 28, 2011 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
Book: “Made to Stick” by Dan Heath and Chip Heath
I read Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Dan Heath and Chip Heath a couple years ago. I enjoyed the illustrations as well as the information they shared. It is a great book and whether you are a student, business person or professional it gives a lot of good insights. Below are six quick points they made in the book:
- Simplicity
- Unexpectedness
- Concreteness
- Credibility
- Emotions
- Stories
Fun in Flight
On Saturday morning we flew out of Altanta to San Juan, Puerto Rico on AirTran. It was wonderful having direct flights! Flying is a little more intense than it use to be especially with all the extra fees to pick your seat, luggage, etc… plus the additional security procedures you go through prior to arriving at the terminal. We both arrived safe and early for our flight. We met up with my brother Lee and his wife Becky who were coming from Baltimore, thankfully their flight ended up being ahead of schedule so everyone made it.
Overall the check in and flight was smooth and enjoyable. Since it was almost a 4 hour flight we found ways to occupy our time. Jake and I played our first rounds of SORRY! Revenge Card Game which is a card version of “Sorry” the board game. It was a quick game and fun. The following are ways that help us make the time on the airplane “fly”:
- Sleep – it is a great time to catch a few winks of rest while in flight.
- Play a Game – usually we stick to card games like “SORRY Revenge”, “Five Crowns”, “Quiddler”, or other card games if we are playing with 2 or more people. There are plenty of games to play if you are the only one wanting to participate as well such as “Sudoku,” “Mad Libs,” crossword puzzle and more.
- Read or Listen to a Book – catch up on a book you’ve been wanting to read. If you forgot to bring a headset usually the flight attendant can get you a set.
- Listen to Music – it is a relaxing way to pass the time in the air plus it tunes out crying children or snoring adults. If you didn’t bring an MP3 player or something to listen to many of the airplanes have built in channels on the armrest and you can listen to while traveling.
- Watch a Show or Movie – we watched a short show on Jake’s phone (both of us brought headphones but many airplanes will give you one for free). That 40 minutes was fun and went by quickly for us.
- Leisurely Eat your Snack – you are in no rush so take your time savoring the pretzels, cookies or snack and sipping on your beverage. If you want more ask, they are more than happy to serve you. We have even made a game out of the snacks….for example count how many pretzels are in each bag, you would be amazed at the difference between bags!
- Write Your Blog Posts – on the way out I wrote a list of blog topic ideas that I wanted to write about and on the way back I started writing out a couple of the articles I wanted to post soon. It gives you a head start on the topics you are wanting to discuss especially after being gone for a week, the schedule tends to be packed already.
- Update Your Journal or Pictures – if you write in a journal update regarding the adventures you are having. If you are not into journals but have a lot of pictures you took during your time away go through the pictures (I have been known to take some strange pictures) during the flight and delete the ones you know you will never print and do not want.
- Work on a Craft – many crafts are small and can be done in a relatively short amount of time. Have you tried drawing, cross stitching, or other small crafts that you can do while flying.
- Write Notes – write your postcards that you were unable to finish or thank you notes to those who made the trip enjoyable. Everyone loves receiving a hand written note of “thanks” or appreciation! Thankfully I had all my postcards done by this time, however, I had plenty of thank you notes to write! Write the notes, address them (if you know the addresses) and when you get home all you have to do is put a stamp on them and stick them in the mail!
- Read a Magazine – airlines always have a couple to look at and there are many months I don’t have the time to enjoy reading through one of our magazines so flying gives me a good excuse to read a magazine I enjoy from cover to cover if I want!
For those who struggle with the pressure when descending the best item I have ever purchased for airplane trips is ear planes. I had one really bad flight and was in so much pain with all the pressure that I never leave home without my ear planes if I am flying. They really do make the trip so much more pleasant for everyone on your flight! You can purchase them at most pharmacies.
We enjoy time in the air because it gives us an extra opportunity to relax and do some fun activities we normally don’t have time to do at home. So next time you fly sit back, relax, and enjoy those extra few moments of leisure. Who knows when you’ll be able to read several chapters of a book or play a game with your spouse. Our time in flight always goes by quickly, hope yours does too.
We arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico early that afternoon and found a Wendy’s across from the airport where we grabbed a bite for lunch and waited for the rest of our crew to arrive. A couple hours later Dad, Mom, Josh, Jeremy and Amber arrived. Thankfully all the luggage arrived with everyone. The next step was finding a taxi to get us to our boat!
A Vacation To Remember series is a reflection on our recent trip and ways we relaxed. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Go with a good attitude and looking for fun and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Book: “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas Stanley
My husband and I listened to The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley the first time together. I found the book at the library book sale and went through it again. It is about the study of Americas deca-millionaires by leading expert Thomas Stanley and the surprising habits and lifestyles of America’s wealthy. It was a neat book to listen to as a couple or read on your own. It provides some great topics for discussion.
Free Audio Book: “Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper
FREE Audio Book Download:
For the month of November Christian Audio is offering a free download of their audio book “Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper. Make sure to order by November 30, 2010 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!